It is with our greatest condolences to the Russelo Family that we announce the passing of Donald Russelo.  Donald was the son of the late Agnes & Donald Russelo and was the brother of Bob (Patty) Russelo and Sally (Jerry) Rychlo.

Our Dad was predeceased by his first son Donny and is survived by Cody and Cory Russelo.  He was a loving and supportive father to us and showed his undivided attention and support when we played sports or made any life decisions…he was always there for us with good advice.  He spent many years on the road as a truck driver traveling the country.  Although he retired, the driving never stopped because he and his brother Bob would drive around for hours with no real destination.

Dad touched the hearts of many in his lifetime and he made countless memories with people along his journey.  He was full of humour and he shared many stories and jokes with an enthusiasm that only he could provide.  He was a true inspiration and he will be missed by many.

Cremation has taken place.  Friends wishing to make memorial donations in remembrance of Don are asked to donate to the Blenheim Youth Centre.

Robert Wayne Dawdy of Blenheim passed away on January 11, 2022 at the age of 77 years.  He will be missed by his wife of 50 years Carole, their children Rob and Aaron Dawdy, his grandchildren Carah and Caleb and several nieces and nephews.  He was one of seven children born to Alice and Christopher Dawdy and is survived by his siblings Linda Jones, Jane McGill, Carmen Dawdy, Bruce Dawdy, Doug (Elaine) Dawdy and Gary Dawdy.

Bob was well known, having owned Dawdy Tires in Charing Cross for many years.  He appreciated the outdoors and hunting in the northern parts of Ontario.  Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered at his favourite hunting grounds at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Bob with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Parkinsons Society.

It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of Joan Elizabeth Lawrence (nee Gall) on Sunday, January 9, 2022. Beloved wife of Charles Lawrence for 66 years.

Joan was born in Welland, Ontario August 3, 1936, daughter of the late Donald and Helen Gall (nee Smith).

Loving mother of Christine (Rick) Muckle, Donald (Mary), Kathryn (Paul) Breault, Andrew (Tracey) and Anne (Alan) English.

Proud Grandma of Gordon (Molly), Jonathan (Lisa), Ashley (Steve) Wragg, Jordan, Brian (Danna) Muckle, Derek (Sarah) English, Danielle (Mitch) Breault, Jamie (John) McKillop and Megan (Alec) English. Eight dearly loved great grandchildren and one on the way.

Loving sister to Alexandra Gall and sister-in-law to James (Glenis) Lawrence and the late Bill Lawrence.  Loving Aunt to several nieces and nephews.

Joan was a dedicated mother to 5 children who graduated post-secondary education and went on to successful careers.  Her love was extended to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joan was a member of the Randolph Churchill IODE, serving as Regent, and also the Helping Hands Auxiliary, Trinity Anglican Church as a Sunday School Teacher, Choir member, Altar Guild and a member of the Blenheim Figure Skating Club Executive serving as President.

Special thank you to Dr. Clendenning, Lisa, Lynn, Julie, Katy and her other wonderful health care providers.

A private family funeral service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in the Lawrence plot at a later date. If desired, memorial contributions to Trinity Anglican Church Blenheim, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation or charity of your choice are appreciated by the family.

Joan’s memorial video can be viewed from the following link:http://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/7SD7HPSPKM7YHDYY

Ray S. Goodwin, 97, passed away Friday, January 7, 2022 in Chatham. He leaves his wife of 70 years, Marie (Cleveland) Goodwin. He was WWII navy veteran.

Born Aug 20, 1924, Ray was the son of Alma (Buckler) and Sidney Goodwin and pre-deceased by siblings Audrey, Lorne, Wayne and Margery and is survived by Doris and Donna Goodwin. Ray is also survived by very special nieces and nephews.

Following his retirement from Siemens, Ray enjoyed working in his garden and being at home.

Donations to a charity of your choice is appreciated. No flowers please. A service is not planned at this time.

Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Jackie Ward of Blenheim, dear wife of the late Sidney Ward (2012) passed away after a brief illness at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 88.  She will be missed by her children Donna Vandenbrink (late Garry) of Edmonton, Linda & Wendell Holmes of Blenheim, Alan & Susan Ward of Edmonton and Brian Ward of McKays Corners.  She will also be missed by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren Mark (Justin and Dillon), Kevin & Jennifer (Alex, Kerrie and her first great-great-grandchild Joshua), Ryan, Sean & Kim (Carter and Sawyer), Michael and Bradley all of Edmonton, Amanda & Marc LeBlanc of Mississauga (Tyler and Toby), Maureen & Rob Kent (Connor, Alizabeth, Ethan and Drew) of Blenheim and Wayne & Antonia Holmes (Levi) of Petawawa.

Jackie was the last surviving of six children born to the late Madge & Jack Chesney.  She was predeceased by Lily Cooper (survived by Ron), Bessie Lindsay (survived by Wilfred), Bill Chesney (survived by Lillian), Donald Chesney and Wayne Chesney.  She will be missed by many nieces, nephews and close friends.

She relished the simple things in life.  She enjoyed walking her dog and would make time to speak with everyone she met.  She faithfully knitted hats for the babies at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  She was proud of her children and got tremendous joy from watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.  Family meant everything to her and she meant everything to her family.  Jackie’s life will be honoured this summer when her family gathers once more to celebrate her birthday with a pig roast at Brian’s house.

Jackie was a member of the Blenheim Baptist Church and it was her wish that if someone wanted to remember her with a charitable donation, that you would consider directing it there.

A beloved best half, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Jody Lynn Fiala left this world unexpectedly on December 24, 2021, at the young age of 56. Born in Chatham, Ontario on March 23, 1965 to Frank & Jeannette (Benoit) Fiala,  Jody grew up in Blenheim where she attended Harwich Raleigh Public School, then Blenheim District High School before attending St Clair College.

She leaves behind “Big Daddy” Dan “Muffinhead” Mifflin, her best friend, partner in crime and fishing buddy of almost 40 years.  She’s gone to heaven to join her father, whom she immensely missed, Frank Fiala (2016). She leaves behind her mother, Jeannette Marie (Benoit) Fiala, sister Mary Lynn McKillop (Tom), brother Frankie Fiala (Pam), brother Joey Fiala (Linda), brother Terry Fiala (Janice) & sister Jackie Lynn Lalonde (Denis).  Cherished Godmother of Jolene (Jason) & Kirk (Carly), aunt to Alena, Jared, Kayla, Jenna, Brodie & Madison.  Stepmother to Marcie King (Matt) and their children Abi and Austin.  Brother-in-law Ed Mifflin (Christine) and sister-in-laws Marsha Caron (Jimmy) and Nancy Mifflin..  She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She cherished her fur babies: Toey, Squeak and most recently Tickle.

Jody truly had the biggest heart in the world! She will be remembered for her caring and charitable acts of kindness towards others……always putting others needs before her own. Family meant everything to her.  She especially enjoyed spoiling privileges as an aunt and taking her nieces & nephews to school before heading off to work. Everyone was always treated as her own and no one was ever left out. You could always count on Aunt Jody, Aunt Jodi, Aunt Joad or Aunt Jode to brighten our day, no matter which way she was spelling her name that day.  Jody was proud to serve customers as a Pharmacy Assistant for 26 years at McIntyre IDA.

Jody was unique and a free spirit. She was tough inside and out and never worried about what others thought.  She stuck to her own fashion sense and opinions. There was no mincing of words ……Jody told it like it was. She will be remembered for her favorite saying “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” and we all knew that meant, the sky was the limit……… Jody loved to have fun and most of all she was fun to be around!

Jody was a hard worker. She enjoyed working in her garden and was generous to share the fruits of her labour. She spent countless hours on Lake Erie fishing with her life partner and providing fish dinners for others. Jody’s ability to connect and touch the lives of so many others means that she will be deeply missed by all her friends and family. She has left a giant hole the size of her heart in all our lives.

Services:

Cremation has taken place.  There will be no funeral or visitation. In keeping with Jody’s wishes, a private celebration of life will be held for the immediate family.

Please do not send flowers. Donations can be made to P.A.W.R. (Pet and Wildlife Rescue), the Word of Life Soup Kitchen, the Blenheim Youth Centre, or organization of your choice.

Jack Austin Rigby of Blenheim passed away at home on Monday December 20, 2021.  He leaves wonderful memories in the hearts of his wife Donna (Everitt) and their children and grandchildren; Rick Rigby (Lauren, Ryan and Erin), Valerie & Gino Loni (Shawn and Matthew), Pamela & John Roth (Olivia & Josh Duarte and Sophia), Carolyn & Sid Stevens (Jordan) and Steve & Lisa Rigby (Austin and Aiden).  Jack was a mentor to his children/grandchildren, sharing his knowledge and wisdom.  He took them to different countries to give them life experiences and encouraged them to make a difference in the world.

Born in Blenheim, the son of the late Monte & Ruby (Steel) Rigby, Jack is survived by his only sister Ann Henderson (late Bob).  He will be missed by Donna’s brother Bill & Doreen Everitt as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his mother-in-law & father-in-law Marjorie & Earl Everitt and by his sister-in-law Gail Crouch.

Jack grew up with two livelihoods:  farming and working alongside his father and uncle at the Ford dealership – Rigby Motors Sales.  In 1973, Jack purchased his first farm (50 acres) to add to his father’s farming operation – Montrig Farms.  He soon became involved in agricultural organizations, including the Kent County Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Conservation Canada and the Soil and Water Conservation Society.  By 1979, Jack decided to go farming full-time and quickly became well-known for innovative farming techniques.  In 1981, Jack was a founding member and first Chairman of the Rondeau Agricultural Conservation Corporation and was also a founding member of the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario in 1985 (IFAO).

A number of agricultural awards quickly followed:

1985 – Kent County Agricultural Conservationist Award;

1987 – Blenheim & District Chamber of Commerce Agriculturalist of the Year Award;

1995 – Inducted into the Soil Conservation Council of Canada Hall of Fame;

1995 – Bestowed an honorary degree as a Professional Agrologist by the University of Guelph;

1999 – Inducted into the Kent County Agricultural Hall of Fame;

2003 – Received the Chatham and Kent Chamber of Commerce Agriculturalist of the Year award; and

2009 – Was recognized as the Innovative Farmer of the Year by the IFAO

Jack’s extensive work with the IFAO (organizing conferences, field tours and promoting sustainable farming) resulted in him receiving the Canadian Nuffield Agricultural Scholarship Award in 1995.  This Scholarship provided Jack with the opportunity to study agricultural techniques in Europe and around the world with emphasis in soil conservation.  Jack served for over 10 years as a Director of the Nuffield Foundation of Canada and President in 1998 when the Nuffield International Conference was held in Canada.

Early in 1999, Jack was one of 10 Canadians chosen for a food study tour of Ethiopia and Kenya for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.  Subsequently, Jack and Donna (and family) sponsored a girl’s school in Ethiopia.

Jack also found time in his busy life for community service.  He had perfect attendance in his 18 years as a member of Blenheim Kinsmen Club, one as President.  Jack has also been a member and President of the Blenheim Rotary Club and his family has acted as host in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.  For a period of time he was counsellor to all incoming students and his involvement led many exchange students to refer to him as – Granky.

Jack was very proud of a couple of awards he received as a Rotarian – the Rotary Foundation District Service Award in 1998/99 and the Paul Harris Fellow.

A big part of Jack’s life over the past 10-15 years was bringing the vision of a community park to reality.  As Chairman of the Rotary Park Committee, Jack was instrumental in fundraising and construction activities that resulted in Talbot Trail Place.

Jack was a very active member of the Blenheim United Church for decades where he held numerous positions on the church counsel.

A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home with a public celebration to follow during his favourite season next year (farming season).

Friends wishing to remember Jack with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Talbot Trail Place or the London Regional Cancer Program.

It is with heavy and sad hearts we share the sudden passing of Lisa Marie Byers of Blenheim, at the age of 47. Lisa was the loving mother to Malcolm Mussa (Abby Van Mol) of Blenheim. Daughter to Rosemary Martin-White and the late Donald Byers (2014). Sister to David Byers and a dear aunt to Adam and Taryn Byers. Lisa grew up in the West Lorne area where she enjoyed figure skating and dance at a young age. She graduated from West Elgin Secondary School, following which she attended Fanshawe College in London. She paused her post-secondary studies when Malcolm was born, and eventually moved to Blenheim for work. When Malcolm began school, Lisa also returned to her studies part-time and completed her Accounting diploma at St. Clair College in Chatham. She will be remembered for her loving and kind nature. Lisa was a dependable friend to everyone and always gave her all to the people she loved. If you ever needed her, all it took was one phone call and she was there no matter the time or weather. She was a smiling, friendly face for many years at McIntyre IDA and most recently at Keyway Locksmith and Security, where she will be sorely missed. Lisa was a proud and supportive mother, who enjoyed watching all the athletic activities Malcolm would participate in and was beyond proud of all his accomplishments in life. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday December 21, 2021 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm and from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Those wishing to attend the visitation are asked to call the funeral home at 519-676-9200 to reserve a time. Cremation will follow and a private family burial in Rodney will take place at a later date. Donations made in memory of Lisa will go to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, or to a local charitable organization. Any contributions would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

After a long and determined fight with cancer Anne finally can be at peace.  She was born in The Netherlands and moved with her family at an early age to Canada.  She became a nurse and had a love for looking after the older people in the hospital.  She met and married Bob Verscheure in 1972.  Together they had three beautiful daughters Amy (Jeremy Barnes) Andrea (Eddie Etter) Wendy (Jeremy Gold) .  She was blessed with the loves of her life, 7 beautiful grandchildren; Carter, Aidan, Samantha, Vanessa, Brody, Eddie and Bobby.   Also survived by brothers Leo (Jill) and Peter (Annie), sister Willy Decoste and sister and special friend Betty Timmermans.  Anne will also be sadly missed by Bob’s family Linda and Frank Hathaway, Rick and Kathy Verscheure, Carol and Gary Kerwin, Roger Verscheure and Julie Lee, Ron and Julie Verscheure, Annette and Jamie Bourdeau, Sandy and Don Lansue. She is predeceased by her parents John and Petronella (Dorssers) Timmermans, sister in law Deanna Timmermans, brother in law Skip Decoste and infant son Mark.

A private family service to be held at Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

A special thank you to Dr. Martha Clendenning for many years of dedicated care of Anne.  Also, thanks to Chatham Hospice staff and Dr. Burgess for their special care of Anne.

Donations to Chatham Kent Hospice appreciated.

At home, surrounded by his loving family, our beloved sailor boy was called by the lord to his last port.  Bob leaves behind the love of his life Marion (McNear).  Together for 63 years, the couple raised three wonderful children – Patty Heyninck (Matt), Randy Shepherd, and Penny Tucker.  Cherished grandpa to John Shepherd (Rochelle), Courtney Heyninck (Tony), and Brittany Tucker (Josh), Miriah Tucker, Kiana Tucker (Kelsey) and three great grandchildren – Callie Shepherd, Brooklyn Mantello and Lyra Baron.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Jack and Edythe and his brother Delbert.  He is survived by his brothers Bruce (Betty) and Keith (Janet) Shepherd.

Bob was a USA Navy Veteran.  He sailed on the LSMR 536 during the Korean War.  He was a proud lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185 Blenheim.  He took pride in participating in Remembrance Day Services each year.

Bob worked several years at Navistar International before his retirement.  In addition, he worked as a commercial fisherman and farmer.  During his golden years, Bob maintained a local vineyard.  His true passion was his home, yard and garden.  He will be sadly missed by his buddies at the legion and his many card partners.

At his wishes, cremation has taken place.

As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made in his honour to the Blenheim Legion Poppy Fund, the Word of Life Soup Kitchen, the Kidney Foundation or a charity of one’s choice.  A celebration of life will take place at his home in Blenheim at a later date.